USA student visa guidelines

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The F-1 visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic or language program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full length of their academic program plus 60 days. F-1 students must maintain a full-time course load and complete their studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.

Documents required are :

Valid Passport
One Passport size photograph ( as per specifications)
A Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) is to be filled online and printed copy of the form has to be submitted.
Form I-20 executed by the authorizing official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant.
Evidence of financial ability to cover the costs of the education and maintenance involved
Receipt of the Visa fee, which has been deposited in advance in specified branches of HDFC Bank
Copy of visa appointment , to be obtained online.

When to apply :

An applicant may apply for a student Visa not earlier than 120 days before the registration date specified on the FORM I-20. If the registration date is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect to arrive at the school by the registration date, the applicant should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from the issuing institution stating by what date the applicant may arrive.

Step by step process:
You must have applied to the institution that is approved by US goverments student and exchange visitor program (SEVP).
The institution will entroll your application to Student and Exchange visitor information system (SEVIS).
The instituiion will send you I-20.
Pay SEVIS fees: 200 USD
For paying SEVIS fee, you need to filea SEVIS I-901 form online. (link: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/desktop/students/formSelection.htm)
US studen visa application DS-160(Link: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx)
DS160 form is a fully integrated online application form and its data will be submitted electronically (via the Internet) to the
Department of State. DS-160 form will collect the necessary information from persons seeking a nonimmigrant visa to the US.
Digital Photograph
Passport details
Family Information
Address where you will stay
SEVIS ID and address of university or institution as printed they appear on Form I-20
Visa application process:
Create Profile: Link: http://portal.ustraveldocs.com
"Stanley cash deposit receipt" need to carried to any branch of Axis bank or Citi bank to make 160 USD fees.
After payment realization, then book visa slot, first you need to schedule OFC (Offsite facilitation centre) appointment
to submit your biometric information. And then book your visa appointment.
Things to carry during OFC appointment:
DS-160 form confirmation receipt and visa fee payment receipt.
Things to carry for visa interview:
DS- 160 confirmation form (with stamp after submitting biometric data )
Visa fee payment receipt issued by Axis/Citi bank
Passport
SEVIS payment receipt
I-20
Visa appointment letter
Supporting academic documents:
All academic documents
Admission letter and I-20 of all universities
GRE score card
TOEFL/PTE/IELTS score card
Supporting financial documents:
Bank loan sanction letter
Fixed deposit receipts
Bank statement (Last 3 - 6 months)
Pay slips / IT return of the sponsor
Property evaluation, land documents, assets, gold, CA verified documents
Additional documents:
Work experience letter
Payslip, IT return and ID card
SOP, Resume